Officer Juan Pedraza of the Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) Police Department was honored by the SBISD Board of Trustees during its meeting on Monday, Sept. 23.

He received special commendations for his extraordinary bravery in saving a baby from choking. This recognition highlighted the department's commitment to ensuring safety in schools and the broader community.

Officer Pedraza joined the SBISD Police Department in March 2024 after nine years in education and quickly made a significant impact in his new role. During a recent evening shift, he responded to an urgent call about an infant who was not breathing outside one of the district's elementary schools.

Upon arrival, he found the baby choking in a car seat. Acting quickly, he turned the infant face down and delivered back blows to dislodge a foreign object—a Ramen noodle wrapper. Thanks to his swift and decisive actions, the child was successfully resuscitated and later transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

“I have a child of my own,” said Officer Pedraza. “As soon as I saw the baby, I thought about what I would hope anyone would do in that situation. I’m grateful to know that this family will see their child grow up.” He also emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, “You have to always be aware of what is in the infant’s surroundings.”

Chief of Police Larry Baimbridge commended Officer Pedraza’s rapid response and the extensive training provided to SBISD officers. “This incident demonstrates how we fulfill our duty to the community, not just within our schools. We are here to help, and that’s what I call ‘Collective Greatness,’” he said.

SBISD is fortunate to have a dedicated police department that works closely with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and families.

Officer Pedraza’s recognition by the SBISD Board of Trustees serves as a reminder of the essential role that school safety personnel play in protecting students both inside and outside the classroom.

#SBISDProud